Spatterdock, Rocky Mountain pond-lily
Nuphar polysepala

Family: Nymphaeaceae

What it is like

Nuphar polysepala is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, beetles. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It can grow in water.

Height (m): 1.8

Where it is found

Ponds, shallow lakes and slow-flowing rivers, from valleys to almost 3,000 metres in the mountains.

Western N. America - Alaska to California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Root - raw or cooked. Boiled or baked. The root can also be dried and ground into a flour. The rather strong taste can be removed by soaking the root in water prior to use. The N. American Indians used the roots in times of famine. Seed - raw or cooked. The fairly large seed can be dried and ground into a powder and then be used for making porridge or mixed with other flours for making bread. When roasted it resembles popcorn in flavour.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The root is analgesic and antihaemorrhagic. A decoction is taken in the treatment of pain in any part of the body, and for lung haemorrhages, TB etc. A poultice made from the root is used in the treatment of any pain, rheumatic joints, sores etc.

Analgesic: Relieves pain.

Haemostatic: Controls internal bleeding.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

A water plant requiring a rich soil and a sunny position. It is best grown in still water up to 75cm deep but it also tolerates slow moving water. Succeeds in light shade. Plants are hardy to about -20°c.

Propagating it: Seed - sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse in pots submerged under 25mm of water. Prick out into individual pots as soon as the first true leaf appears and grow them on in water in a greenhouse for at least two years before planting them out in late spring. The seed is collected by wrapping the developing seed head in a muslin bag to avoid the seed being lost. Harvest it 10 days after it sinks below the soil surface or as soon as it reappears. Division in May. Each portion must have at least one eye. Submerge in pots in shallow water until established.

Best place to grow: Pond;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Water

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

N. lutea polysepala. (Engelm.)E.O.Beal.